Golf on the rise in Grenfell

19 Mar 2013

by Jack Newton Junior Golf

JNJG Undertakes School MYGolf and Beginner Coaching Clinic at Grenfell

Grenfell, nestled at the foot of the Weddin Mountains, birthplace of Henry Lawson, haunt of bushranger Ben Hall is a town steeped in history and pioneering spirit. It is also a town that has a unique 18 hole sand green golf course that offers plenty of challenges and Primary Schools that ‘just love doing golf’.

Sharon Nott, JNJG Territory Manager, did a four day visit during March to Grenfell on the invitation of Ladies Golf President Virginia Drogemuller which included both school visits and an Adult Coaching Clinic at the Golf Course and was more than impressed by the enthusiasm shown by the students.

Sixty seven students from St Joseph’s from Kindy to Year six had the opportunity to do both outdoor activities on the oval as well as indoor putting in the school hall. The school has recently obtained a MYGolf Kit and School Principal, Peter Stephens was more than willing to undertake our JNJG Teacher Training in conjunction with the visit so that MYGolf can continue in the school’s sports program over the next three years.

The emphasis with MYGolf is providing a fun environment for the children to learn the basic skills of golf and when you have a boisterous group of year 3-6 students all pumping out Freddie Mercury’s ‘WE WILL ROCK YOU’ during the putting session you certainly have a very enthusiastic bunch of students trying to get the ball into the hole.

Teacher Craig McMahon undertook a Teacher Golf Training Course at the end of last year and has wasted no time getting MYGolf into the School Sports Program at Grenfell Primary. All 200 students were involved in a full day of oval activities.

The Primary School also have golf as an Active After School activity and local AAS Community Coach, John Gorman, made a special effort to come down and see how MYGolf was run. Having 40 kindy students in one session with golf clubs might sound a bit ‘scary’ but with the way MYGolf is run all students were able to hit balls and try for that elusive ‘Hole in One’.

As part of Golf NSW's District Grant Funding to promote club membership a beginner golf coaching clinic was held on the Sunday at Grenfell Golf Club that attracted 14 players, 12 of whom are new to the game or were wanting to get back into the game. Craig assisted Sharon with the coaching and with the club having Twilight comp many of these new players were getting the chance to play socially to build up their confidence. With the added coaching and instruction it is hoped that the momentum will follow on with these players to join the regular competition.

JNJG realises the importance of having staff in the field, especially in country areas and their flexible approach to Teacher Training and having JNJG Officer’s aligned to schools and clubs allows them to offer a number of opportunities to not only junior’s but adults as well. Grenfell is certainly making every effort to attract new players, the young and the ‘young at heart.’ For more information on the JNJG MYGolf Schools program visit www.jnjg.com.au or contact sharon@jnjg.com.au.